School lunch program growing, more help needed

The Kiwanis Club donated $2,000 to keep a school lunch program going, even expand.

The lunch program started as a pilot project in May, when the Salvation Army Ministries Caring Place and Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services teamed up to provide free lunches to children who didn’t have food at school.

The lunches, which typically consist of a sandwich, granola bar, fruit and juice box, are prepared and delivered by volunteers.

In the first five weeks, about 50 lunches were delivered to five elementary schools daily in the Maple Ridge.

Since September, the program has expanded to nine elementary schools in Maple Ridge, with 83 bag lunches being delivered daily by six volunteer drivers.

The program has not yet spread too Pitt Meadows, although the participation of school there is anticipated soon.

The Friends in Need Food Bank also contributes to the bag lunches.

The Caring Place and community services urge other service clubs and private donors to help ensure the continuation of the school lunch program

• To make a donation, contact the Caring Place at 604-463-8296 or community Services at: 604-467–6911.